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When it comes to gloves, Donald keeps it simple

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Newly acquired Reds utility player Jason Donald is unlike many other players who play multiple positions. Often, utility players keep several different gloves in their locker. For example, Todd Frazier had nine different gloves when he was a utility player.

Not Donald.

"I just keep one for the infield and one for the outfield," Donald said on Tuesday. "I've found it's the easiest thing to do, for me. I know everybody has their own ways of doing it. The more routine or normal I can make it no matter where I go bodes a lot better for me."

Donald, 28, was acquired from the Indians in the December trade that also brought Shin-Soo Choo to the Reds for Drew Stubbs and Didi Gregorius. Donald had been in the Indians organization since 2009 and played parts of three big league seasons there.

"Any time you get traded, it's a shock and a surprise, but it was also immediate excitement," Donald said. "I knew what this club has been doing the last couple of years because we're so close in Spring Training. You have an idea of what's going on. This ballclub is loaded."

Last season, Donald played 43 games in three stints with Cleveland and batted .202. His defense and versatility were more valued as he played third base, shortstop, second base, left field and center field in 2012.

"Now I try to be a chameleon and wherever I'm put, I try to do the best I possibly can," Donald said.

Donald, who is out of Minor League options, is competing for a bench spot with the likes of shortstop Cesar Izturis, rookie Henry Rodriguez and others. He knows it won't be an easy battle.

"Any time you come to a club like this, there's always competition for those last few spots," Donald said. "That's what makes teams like this so good. I think competition brings out the best in people, too."